DJ Skribble

Essential Spring Break isn't quite as overtly commercial as DJ Skribble's preceding Essential Dance 2000 mix. Where the MTV-sponsored DJ sought to incorporate as many dance "hits" as possible on that mix -- "Kernkraft 400," "9PM (Till I Come)," "Sexual (Li Da Di)," "Sun Is Shining," and so on -- he instead tries to incorporate a selection of tracks on Essential Spring Break that may not necessarily be well-known stateside but at least allow him to work toward a consistent mood. Of course, this may limit the album's crossover possibilities, but it's a welcome change for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted DJ mix. By concentrating on tracks that segue well into one another, Skribble ends up piecing together a respectable mix album that moves from the sort of lighthearted garage/house tracks popular in the U.K. circa 2001 ("Salsoul Nugget (If U Wanna)," for example) to more trance-rooted tracks during the latter half of his 17-track mix ("Sandstorm"). Despite this album's promising start, the mass-appealing tendencies of Skribble again detract from his ability to offer a well-mixed album; the last few tracks may be anthems -- particularly the ubiquitous DJ Tiesto remix of Delirium's "Silence" -- but they can't help feeling undeniably superfluous. Granted, seasoned electronic dance music listeners probably won't even give this album a chance given its commercial tendencies. Still, those who consider themselves fans of the Ministry of Sound or Gatecrasher mix albums will find this mix remarkably similar in approach and almost on par, and those who consider themselves no more than casual fans of dance music may find this album more accessible than most DJ mix albums. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide